Review of Backcomb & Tattoo

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Quin EMPRESS
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Review of Backcomb & Tattoo

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Backcomb & Tattoo" by Shea R Embry.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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Backcomb & Tattoo by Shea R. Embry is a heartfelt and introspective book that explores family, memory, and personal growth. This book combines humor, poignant moments, and a touch of mystery, creating a rich, relatable story for anyone who has faced loss and the complexity of family relationships. This story revolves around three close friends, Jesi, Rachael, and Nicole, and their lives. Aunt Mary Opal passes away from cancer, and the three women are left to cope with the loss. Rachael is particularly affected by her loss, and as they try to make sense of her passing, they find themselves caught up in Aunty Mary Opal’s final wishes. After her passing, the women are called to the attorney’s office to hear her will. They learn that Aunty Mary Opal had considered leaving her entire estate to them, but she ultimately made peace with her daughters, who had been distant from her. The attorney hands them a letter Aunt Mary Opal wrote, instructing them to open it exactly thirty-five days after her loss while drinking margaritas at their favorite Mexican restaurant. 

As the story continues, when they gather at the restaurant to read the letter, they feel a strong emotional connection to Aunty Mary Opal’s. The latter include messages for each of them, expressing her love, admiration, and gratitude. Aunty Mary Opal shares her thoughts on their personal journeys, offering advice on loving themselves, trusting their own integrity, and living life fully. However, as they read the latter, they reflect on their shared experience and the impact Aunt Mary Opal had on their lives. In a moment of quiet reflection, they notice two women in the restaurant who seem to resemble Aunt Mary Opal and may have left behind more secrets than they knew. In the end, some things are better left unknown, and their bond with each other is the most important thing. This book highlights themes of friendship, love, and the power of secrets in shaping our lives.

My thoughts through this book are the deep emotional connections it creates between the characters, especially the bond they share with Aunt Mary Opal. The author skillfully portrays their feelings of grief, love, and the complexities of strong relationships. The principles of friendship, loyalty, and self-acceptance are explored in a way that is both touching my heart and thought-provoking. I understood how the characters grow through their experiences and how Aunty Mary Opal's messages to each of them shape their understanding of life and love. My enjoyment of this book starts from the way the author uses humor, emotional depth, and suspense to keep me engaged. I really appreciate how the author also weaves in life lessons, particularly around trusting oneself and letting go of the past. I gained valuable insight into the importance of personal growth and the power of deep, meaningful connections. The value of this book to me is its exploration of the human condition, focusing on loss, self-discovery, and healing. I really hope that individuals will gain one or more lessons about love, trust, and the courage to face life's challenges head-on.

Honestly, based on my reading, I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This is because I found no errors when reading this book; the author uses a mature mind, which made this book more suitable for an adult audience because they can understand more of what this book is all about. Meanwhile, the author's writing style and editing are well placed, going straight to the point without unnecessary filler. This book's balance of humor and emotion keeps me invested, and the exploration of complex themes is relatable and heartfelt, a well-crafted and impactful read.

This book is highly recommended for adult audiences, particularly those who are interested in themes of relationship, personal growth, loss, and self-discovery. It explores deep emotional connections and complex life lessons, which are better understood by those with some life experience. The mature themes and the way the author handles grief, love, and personal transformation make this book more relatable and impactful for an audience that is older and can appreciate the nuances of the characters journeys. Kindly grab your own copy of this book and thank me later!

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Backcomb & Tattoo
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